Inn Vertebrate

The Inn Vertebrate was inspired by the diverse architecture of London, and is a multi-story habitat with different size holes and spaces for various invertebrates. Constructed from recycled and reclaimed wood, bricks and off-cuts found in surrounding areas, this bug inn will be located at Bunhill Fields surrounded by wildflowers that will be donated by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
+ Metalanguage Design

The five shortlisted designs provide homes for various insects found in the city and include everything from skyscraping bug towers, landscape and garden installation, a mountain chalet, and luxury bug hotels. The five competing firms and designs include: the Insect Hotel by Arup Associates; Brookfield Bug Buddies by Brookfield Europe and the Pinnacle team; Bumblebee City Nesters by Fisher Tomlin; Inn Vertebrate by Metalanguage Design; and Beevarian Anstel and Gretel Chalet by German Women in Property.

British Land and The City of London Corporation hope that these new bug hotels will attract and support stag beetles, solitary bees, butterflies, spiders, lacewings, and ladybirds. Each design is currently under construction at five different parks around the city (Bunhill Fields, West Smithfield, Postman’s Park, St Dunstan’s in the East and Cleary Garden), and will be on view to the public starting June 18th. Love this competition and want to get in on the action design your own bee and bug hotel? Check out this roundup of DIY bee hotels and help support insect populations.